El Paso area Target, Salvation Army help outfit homeless students

Roberto Ballesteros, 6, tries on new shoes with help from Lt. Paul Ryerson of the Salvation Army during a visit to the Target store at Bassett Place Thursday. Ballesteros was among a dozen homeless school aged children who were selected to recieve a $150 back to school shopping spree courtesy of the store and the Salvation Army. In all, 47 children are being assisted with school clothing and supplies as part of the program, said Rose Lucero-Mercado, spokesperson for the Salvation Army.

Several students got the chance to get ready for the new school year as the Salvation Army and Target teamed up to get them clothing.

The Target at Bassett Place and the Salvation Army spent more than $1,000 Thursday to outfit one group of 12 students, who live in shelters affiliated with the Salvation Army.

In all, 48 children currently live in El Paso Salvation Army shelters. All children will receive uniforms, clothing and supplies before starting school, said Salvation Army spokeswoman Rose Lucero-Mercado.

"This is the second year in a row that we do this at this Target store and it is just a great honor to be able to give back to the community, especially to these children and to help them get ready for school," said Jeff Black, Target store team leader. "Hopefully, it will help alleviate some of the pressures of being a child getting ready for school that these children face. I am thrilled, and we are just blessed that we get to take part in this and help these child out as much as we can."

The students, who ranged from 8 to 14 years old and come from various schools around El Paso, were matched with volunteers who helped them pick out clothes. The day wasn't only about getting the children ready for school, but to show them that education is very important, said Lt. Paul Ryerson, a core officer with the Salvation Army

"This day is extremely important for the children," Ryerson said. "They and their families are living in our family centers and it can't be a fun experience, so anytime we have an opportunity to remind them of how important education is and help them look forward to school is just great. So, today is a day that they will remember forever and it shows them that the community will pitch in and help them."

Thursday was a very special and fun day for Albert Bosanko, who is starting eighth grade at Henderson Middle School. The event wasn't just an opportunity to start the school year with new clothes, but to make a new friend, he said.

"This is really cool and it does mean a lot to me," Albert said. "I'm getting shoes, shirts and a backpack, so I will be all ready for school. (Ryerson) has been great helping me get all my stuff and he's been super cool. It has been a really fun day."

For more information on how to get involved with the Salvation Army, call 544-9811 or visit salvationarmyusa.org